Teach me about Washington Quarters

edsondl

I am coming close to completing a set of Jefferson nickels and have my eyes set on a set of raw MS Washington quarters next. What are characteristics are desirable in the strike of the Washington quarter that sets an outstanding example apart from just a nice example. In the Jefferson series it is the steps, and other series have FBL, FB and full torch.

For Washington collectors, for what do you look in a quarter. Let's face it. There are millions of things out there to choose from, so why not take one's time and be choosy?

Thanks
Dan

RGL

I am not an expert on Washingtons, but ... hair detail on obverse and eagle's feathers on reverse are tell-tale on good/poor strike ...

Skipper53

I've heard of the possibilty of using "full claws" as a criteria.
If the eagle's claws on the reverse are fully visible, it's a good
sign it's well-struck, high grade quarter.

Bikingnut

I look at luster, the motto for weakness in the word IN, hair line and hair over Georges ear. I also stay away from the ones with contact marks or rub on the cheek. As for the reverse, i look at the detail on the eagles breast.

cladking

Look for the letters near the rim to be full and rounded at the top. The "IN" of IGWT is
especially prone to weakness on many dates. The talons on the reverse and the feathers
are also often weak. Most of the clads are extremely elusive with full 100% strikes and
some like the '72-D probably don't exist.

Don't forget to look for nice clean coins though these too can be tough.

wjd283

I look at eagles breast feathers.They appear to be the high point on reverse.Nice breasts are harder to find on older examples.

edsondl

Thanks everyone for your input.

Cladiator

<< <i>Nice breasts are harder to find on older examples >>



Ain't that the truth! Oh wait...are you talking about coins? LMAO

koynekwest

I think I heard of a "Full Beak" designation somewhere-but it was copyrighted, so I better not mention it at the risk of being sued.
Washingtons usually don't have major striking problems, except for die failure and/or grease filled dies on the peripheral lettering, so fully struck letters along the rim would be my first consideration.